[History of histology in Strasbourg].

Abstract

Since the cellular theory was formulated in 1839, the University of Strasbourg has held a pioneer place in histology. This new morphological science has had, since its origin, close relations with physiology, and from 1846 to 1871, an original histophysiological school was organized in Strasbourg. The microscope and the study of tissues were considered as a fundamental approach for the progress of biological and medical knowledge. After the German annexation of Alsace, the scientists from this school participated in the renewal of histology in Nancy, Montpellier, and Paris. In 1872, when the new German university was created, an anatomical institute regrouped all aspects of normal morphology: anatomy, histology, and embryology. This was the case until 1918. In 1919, when the Faculty of Medicine was reorganized after Alsace was restored to France, a specific chair and institute of histology were created. This was the beginning of a school of histophysiology which was internationally renowned in the rise of experimental endocrinology. Great discoveries followed one after another: folliculin in 1924 and demonstration of the duality of ovarian hormones, the prominent place of the anterior part of the hypophysis and the demonstration of prolactin in 1928, thyreostimulin in 1929, then study of the other stimulins. In 1946 a chair and institute of medical biology were created. In 1948, a service of electron microscopy was opened. D.A. Lereboullet (1804-1865), E. Küss (1815-1871), C.B. Morel (1822-1884), J.A. Villemin (1827-1892), M. Duval (1844-1907), G. Schwalbe (1844-1916), P. Bouin (1870-1962), M. Aron (1892-1974), J. Benoit (1896-1982), R. Courrier (1895-1986) et M. Klein (1905-1975), were among the famous scientists who worked in histology in Strasbourg.